Group set up to save Launceston leisure centre from closure
The centre is currently scheduled to close down in January
Last updated 23rd Dec 2022
A community interest group has been formed to help save Launceston leisure centre from closure.
Cornwall Council had previously stated that it is not in a financial position to be able to provide extra ongoing funding to keep the centre open.
The centre, currently operated by Greenwich Leisure Ltd, is scheduled to permanently close on 23rd January 2023. Today, local businessman Michael Davey, has said he'll be heading up the new group to help save the site from imminent closure.
Local businessman, Michael Davey, has today agreed to head up a local Community Interest Group to help save Launceston Leisure Centre from imminent closure.
Mr Davey said: “I could not just stand aside and watch the centre stand derelict and ultimately be knocked down. Launceston needs a focal point and central hub for not just health, fitness and well-being, but also to offer a venue for local sports and activity groups.
"We acknowledge there is plenty of work to be done including refurbishment and re-development of the centre and a blue-print for future-proofing the centre for years to come. We also want to maintain the existing employees of the centre and we hope they will want to be part of its future".
He added: "The Community Interest Group will be non-profit making and any surplus funds will be re-invested back into the centre. Having said that, the centre is currently expensive to operate on a day-to-day basis, so there must always be a requirement for a viable business plan to safeguard the facility for future generations to enjoy.
"For the centre to ultimately survive, we will require financial support from Cornwall Council and just as importantly, support of the local community during what will be challenging times".
The group plan to continue to work closely with current owners, The Coronation Park Trust, over the coming weeks, to seek a viable and realistic solution to keep the centre open.
The immediate plan is to remain open for business as usual during this initial phase, subject to having the resources and manpower to achieve this.
Dave Gordon, Chairman of Coronation Park Trust said "This is a great Christmas present for the Town. I am delighted that our hard work has paid off and we will safeguard the leisure centre in the Park. There are still details to be sorted out and we hope a seamless transfer can happen with the help of Cornwall Council and GLL".
Leighton Penhale, Mayor of Launceston said "It has taken a huge amount of effort in difficult times to get to this point. I hope the people of Launceston will work with us to ‘use or lose’ this vital facility".